For The Toast:
• 1 Loaf Challah Bread or Brioche or Texas Toast (Whole Foods)
• 6 Large Eggs
• 2 C. Half-Half (Milk/Cream)
• ½ C. Brown Sugar
• 1 t. Vanilla Extract
• ½ t. Ground Cinnamon
• 1 t. Salt
• ¼ lb. Butter (for frying)
• 1 C. Caramelized Pecans
• 8 oz. Pure Dark Real Maple Syrup

FOR THE CHANTILLY: In a cold metal bowl combine the Heavy Whipping Cream, Extract, Sugar and optional Flavors. Beat together with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until fluffy, while scraping the sides of the bowl for consistency. Avoid over-whipping. Sample and adjust the sweetness and flavors to taste. Refrigerate until needed.

CUT THE BREAD: Preheat the oven to 180°F. Cut the Challah Bread or Brioche into 1 inch thick slices (8 count) or use Sliced Texas Toast (8 count). You may trim the edges to make it perfectly round (see photo) if you wish. On a wire rack in a sheet tray, place the 8 slices and bake in a 180°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Turn over the slices and bake for 10-15 minutes more. You want the slices to be crisp, but not browned.

MAKE THE CUSTARD: In a medium bowl, whisk together Eggs, Brown Sugar, Extract, Cinnamon and Salt until well mixed. Add the Half & Half and whisk until smooth and homogeneous. Pour half of this Custard into a large baking dish or tray.

SOAKING: [For Challah, X=2 minutes; for Brioche, X=½ minute; for Texas Toast, X=1 minute.] Place 4 slices in the Custard, let soak for X minutes or until the liquid is ⅓ way up in the slice, then turn the slices over and soak for X minutes more. Refill the tray for the second 4 slices. Pile then up on a plate.

FRYING: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of Butter to the pan. Melt the Butter to cover the pan. Place 2 soaked slices in the pan and cook on medium-low heat for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Occasionally move the slices while cooking; it makes for even browning. Slow cooking is best for the interior.

SERVING: Serve 1 per fancy plate, with a dollop of cold Chantilly Cream, topped with a few Caramelized Pecans. Pure Maple Syrup on the table to share.